I went here earlier this evening after a long, hot day of moving. Â The waitress got my beer order right away and brought it within 3 minutes. Â I asked her about the veggie burger and she told me people love it. Â She did not steer me wrong. Â It was amazing. Â I really enjoyed being here. Â Cold beer, good food, and great service. Â I will definitely be back to watch a game and hang out.
Review Source:It may be weird, but this is my post-yoga spot to hang out with my best friend and replace all that energy with some chicken wings and beers!
It is a no-frills locals bar with a good range of beers on tap and all the pub fare you would expect, and they do it really well. The food is always fresh and good, and the bartenders are always nice and attentive.
One night our bartender put a lime in a Raspberry Harpoon and it tasted just like a lime rickey - I'm hooked!
Great local pub with friendly staff that takes care of patrons. The BBQ chix quesadillas and pizza are wonderful. Their sliders of all varieties are also a treat. Stop by Weds for awesome live band karaoke or on Saturdays for a great selection of live bands (Box of Records is not to be missed)
Review Source:I came in tonight for the Super Bowl, and they had it on everyone of their 9 big flat screens (the nerve!!). The bar tender was way too polite and friendly according to the worthless reviews on this site. I ordered a beer for myself and my friends, all of which were available and in stock (we don't drink the silly foolish beers weirdos ask for) The kitchen was open and I got a fantastic Hawaiian pizza that was cooked to perfection.
I can't believe I came to this bar and the game was postponed due to power outages!! It must of been the fault of the girl who was working since she is the fault of all the world's problems and all of this insecure reviewer's personal issues.
But, all and all, I should give this place one star since its what you do on this site, but I'm going to be crazy and give an honest review of a place that is always welcoming and doesn't pretend to be what it's not. Real world employees, real world service, real world experience.
(Updated 5/25/2013)
The audacity of that poster who thinks those of us who have been insulted by the rude staff are placing "worthless" reviews.  Who the hell is he to determine how we feel about the rude and ignorant way we have been served and treated?  His "great" service does not make ours any less authentic or real.  The nerve of him  to even suggest otherwise. Even have the audacity to think that someone is insecure and have personal issues because the wait staff was extremely disrespectful. No, it's not their fault it's everyone else's. Yeah right!  Not everyone is going to have the same experience and the staff should treat all its patrons with respect, courtesy, and kindness. I have been in a LOT of places of all walks of life and I very rarely experience this kind of ignorance!  Your experience is yours and our experience is ours and we rate honestly and accordingly!!  Point, Blank, and Period.  If Costello's do not want bad reviews then they NEED TO HAVE A TALK with their staff.  That is what good business people do!! I guess we should suck up the disrespectful treatment because the waitstaff is having a bad day?  Are you fkn kidding me?  When you are in the "hospitality" business you be hospitable regardless of what you have to deal with and what kind of day you are having.  Unbelievable!! Â
If you want to be treated well by staff and have GREAT food and quality service  and drinks then I strongly suggest you walk ACROSS THE STREET TO THE GALWAY HOUSE!  They also make an excellent dirty martini!  Bartenders and staff are super friendly. Â
Now on to the original review:
I haven't been to this place in years.  So I decide to check it out last night because they had a live band. I am giving this place one star due to the horrible attitude of the female bartender.  I am talking MAJOR attitude.  If you don't like your job  dealing with the public then find another line of work.  Her disrespectful tone and pinched up face was extremely disturbing to Me.  I won't ever go into that place again because of her for if she talked to Me and treated Me like that again she would see My ugly side.  The male bartender was much more friendlier!  If I ever go in there again it will not be on a day when she's working.  Very disrespectful.  You don't disrespect and give attitude to the f**&n customers and expect tips!!
I ended up leaving there and going to Coco's Lounge. The hospitality shown at CoCo's lounge by the owner was exceptional.  Very friendly.  The waitresses had a smile, spoke to you with respect, and the service was fast!  The patrons were nice and the latin music was good.  Much better experience  I must say.  When I go somewhere and I am spending My money I expect to be treated with respect by the staff persons and not spoken to with attitude!
Period!!
If anyone knows the owner/s of Costello's PLEASE let Me know via email. Â I am pretty offended by this bartender and I hope she isn't a relation. Â They need better staff. Â Hell I'll work there and give the patrons service with a f**^n smile!!!
I am writing this after an experience with some pretty horrible customer service, and I honestly can't assume that it is like this all the time because i'm not sure how this place would stay in business otherwise. Â I won't be going back any time soon.
Website says "live band karaoke every Wednesday". Called earlier in the day to make sure, staff member confirmed. Website says 9 PM, staff member says 10. Show up at 9:45, no sign of any band. Â Despite that, there was a decent amount of people in the place. Â
After seating ourselves (group of 6), a waitress greets us and asks if we'll be having any food, to which we said "yes, definitely". Â We ask about the band once again and she tells us that there is absolutely karaoke tonight. Our waitress, while polite, was dressed like a hungover college student: sneakers, yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt. Comfortable for sure, but not professional. Normally I wouldn't give a shit about something like this, but unfortunately she paid similar attention to her customer service. After she served us our beers, she sat at a restaurant table behind us and wrapped silverware. She was the only waitress on duty at the time. Again, very unprofessional with customers waiting. She never came back to ask about the food we wanted to order. During the time we were trying to figure out what the hell was going on at this place (10:30 and still no band), I saw another customer walk up to her at the table behind us and ask for his bill, meaning she had also ignored that table.
I flagged her down and asked her again about the band, and she offered "yeah we're like really surprised. We're like, looking for their number right now". At that time, someone else in our group called the bar from our table and asked about the band and the bartender told them that there was no band or karaoke tonight. Awesome.
Now, musicians are not exactly the most reliable people, I am one myself. But Costello's didn't have their shit together at all. We went there for that sole purpose, and when it didn't happen, they did absolutely nothing to keep us there. A party of six ready to eat and drink walked out after one round of PBR because of the horrendous service. A decent sounding menu and a poor selection of beer is not exactly drawing in flocks of people, and with disorganization and service like I saw tonight, I'm not really sure why someone would want to go to this place over the many other places either walking distance or a short bus or t ride away.
Go somewhere else.
Costello's was a solid three stars. I'll start with the positive: Went there on NFL season opener Sunday and was really impressed by the number of games they had going. People came in in their Dolphins, Vikings, Lions, Jets etc tshirts and everyone saw their games on a screen (even though the Pats got three screens and the sound) because of NFL Sunday Ticket. It was really cool! Also the drink prices a really decent for Boston. The servers were very accommodating and understanding we were all jonesing for our football.
The bad: The atmosphere definitely leaves something to be desired. It's just kind of dingy, nothing special. While the staff was accommodating, they weren't very friendly, energetic, or engaging. The food was mediocre (we had brunch). And it was absolutely freezing inside.
I may go back, but it's definitely not at the top of my list. I'd be willing to try their lunch, or check out trivia some time, but it's not an environment that demands you return.
We went here for trivia last Sunday and the sound system is terrible.  Maybe all those years of mowing the lawn wearing a Walkman have caught up with us, but we had to move to see the lips of the quiz master to participate.  One star for the sound, three stars for the trivia, five stars for the veggie burger. It is a masterpiece.  Seriously - the best veggie burger I have ever eaten.  Basil mayo, fresh seeded bun, upgrade to the sweet potato fries for a buck more.  The waitress and bartender were not rude- just busy - based on the other Yelpers I was expecting something bad.  It is not easy working a big room and our server was quick and efficient.  Do you want her to sit down and ask you about your day or give you a foot rub? Then  go elsewhere.
Review Source:A solid "meh."
It's a sports bar, with greasy bar food, some beers on tap, and a horrendous selection of wine options. So, it's pretty much like every other bar in Boston.
They do have live-band karaoke on Wednesday night's though, so that's pretty awesome.
Service is spotty- but trends towards the slow side.
And be forewarned: CASH ONLY.
Cash only. Minus one star. White bread for the chili cheese hotdog. Minus another star. .35 cent/wings after 8PM on Monday? Oh heck yeah. Now, such a meat frenzy may offend the staunch vegen/tarian who so willingly interrupts your meatextravaganza by telling you that you should not eat such things. Well. I'm an omnivore, too poor for vitamin supplements, uninterested in figuring out edible supplements and living on a miniscule stipend in graduate school. Monday at Costello's is Goodwill on Sundays.
The waitresses are very nice, non-invasive or meddlesome. Costello's should certainly take down the "Wait to be seated sign," just so that they can tell you that you seat yourself. This must be a mind game. I haven't had any beers (so, I normally drink hard liquor), but I can say that it's very warm inside, right next to a daggone T stop, cheap and affordable. So if you want to pregame, which I suppose most people reviewing Costello's suggests, then I reckon it's a good location. Not too high energy though.
But if you want to practice your carnivorous tendencies, Monday night is a good night. Plus the wings aren't bad. They're good. We asked for the hottest they had, and they weren't very hot at all. You know, I'm convinced that unless it's a 'foreign' restaurant, it's sort of hard to find anything sincerely spicy in these parts. I have some habanero sauce I made last night that I will just bring to other places.
1) Buffalo Chicken pizza
2) great seasonal beers on tap (they shift smoothly from Shipyard Pumpkinhead to Harpoon Winter Warmer's, which keeps me happy because when I go here I'm looking for beer, not my usual gin).
3) good service- never wait long for a drink
4) friendly people
5) great place to watch games
6) jukebox.
Ok, after giving this place a few more shots, I've decided to add another star, and here is why:
1) not all of their drinks are overpriced (i.e. PBR draught for $2.50);
2) the nachos with chili and jalapenos is pretty good;
3) it's easy to get a table/seat, even on weekends (unlike Galway); and,
3) they have a juke box.
I still hate the cash only thing, though.
I've been here a few times, and the food is just okay. The biggest annoyance in this place is that it's cash only, which I don't understand why a place like this would be. Your bill is likely to be over $15...so why wouldn't you accept CCs here? Weird.
Also they only seem to have one waitress working whenever I've been here, and the times I've been it's been fairly busy. Hrm.
Very solid brunch: Â "Walk Around the Pond" is a ton of food, French toast is nice thick bread.
Decent prices.
Passable service.
Super bonus: Â Stroll on up for weekend brunch, walk right in, and have a nice leisurely meal in a mostly empty restaurant while all the fashionable folk wait in line at Centre St Cafe.
Costello's only has one good reason to check it out. NFL Sunday Ticket. Thank you Costello's for that. Seriously.
Now, on the other hand....going there for NFL Sunday Ticket is not ideal. I think the setup is ok and the cleanliness is fine, but the food is dreck. I've eaten at Costello's about 10-12 times and every time I regret it. The only decent thing on the menu is the chicken fingers, and let's just be honest, they probably come frozen from a bag. The nachos are TERRIBLE, the pizza is bland and so on.
I find the service to be hit or miss. You'll get your food in a timely manner, but the waitress might never come back to fill up your beer.
If only there were another bar in JP with NFL Sunday Ticket.
I vote no on Costello's.
I've gone here a bunch of times, and it's kind of a mixed bag. Their barstaff straddles itself between rude and apathetic pretty artfully, and the food has mastered the mediocrity skill set.
Example: Â I used to come here for the veggie dogs before I broke veg, and they were religiously out of them. So one time, I actually called to make sure they had them. The woman's response was "of course we do. We never run out of those things." I said, "the last three times I've come, you've been out." She said, "that never happened,' and hung up on me.
Despite the rudeness, which is sort of old hat and expected when you're dealing with this place, I went anyways. Guess what they were out of? It wasn't buffalo fingers.
I've had a handful of not terrible experiences, though. Some of the regulars are friendly, and I've been the surprised recipient of a round of drinks bought by a drunk townie on more than one occasion.
This place is also, to my knowledge, the only bar in JP with Direct TV's NFL Ticket package, so if you like teams that aren't the Patriots, this might be the place for you. They're also open pretty late.
Since when I am in JP, I split my time between the apartment I pay rent on and Costello's, I figured it should be my first review. Put plainly - this is my local watering hole and it deserves to be. It's an easy choice. It's right in the middle of town, it's affordable, it has a dart board, keno and a jukebox and one HELL of a veggie burger. SO it's cash only. There are at least FOUR ATMs within 50 feet of this place...and it always makes splitting the bill that much easier.
Go for a beer and the veggie or Costello burger, buffalo chicken pizza or nachos (the white mystery cheese sauce is out of control good). Best value - basket of fries with Honey Mustard to dip. Don't get the veggie spring roll appetizer. This is not the place to try and go all Asian fusion.
See you there tomorrow night.
oh Costellos, you will forever be burned into my memory, even though I barely have memories of being there... ever.
I think I have been to Costello's 20 or 30 times and with the exception of two trips for brunch... I have a hard time remembering any of them.
this is the place where people go when they can't agree on another place to go. Â 'aaaagh, lets just go to Costellos' Â In fact, I have heard the chant of Costello's Costello's Costello's take over crowds in JP at 12:45am in various bars that close at 1.
They have beer, they have whiskey, they have big TVs that are always on local sports, and they have a juke box. During normal hours they have food. If you are going for the food it is forgettable, but after 6 beers it will taste like the best food you have ever had. Â Perfect.
When there is no crowd, it can be creepy. Â Local JP alcoholics belly-up to the bar alone- staring blankly at the TV. Â But when it's busy, the bar is transformed to a magical land where people talk to strangers and exchange personal information freely.
It's that kind of place.
Is it an oxymoron to say that Costello's is a good crappy bar? Â i mean, when you're looking for a crappy bar, you won't settle for a good bar, you're looking for crappy, a certain combination of pedestrian beer selection, lowbrow decorations, and above all else, industrial-grade particle-board furnishings. Â Those are a must. Â But having said all that, it's still got to be a good combination of all that stuff.
Costello's is a fine example of this, as others have noted. Â It's got enough beers to get you by, a ton of the de rigeur big TVs, and is plainly a lived-in establishment in a space it grew into. Â A liberal sprinkling of townie folks. Â The food was surprisingly good; i enjoyed a barbecue pulled-chicken wrap with very solid french fries. Â The waitstaff can be a little surly/pushy, but whatever. Â They have a highly competitive trivia night on Sundays, too. Â
It's a crappy bar, but i mean that as a compliment.
Costello's proves the diversity of Jamaica Plain. Â It's like a little piece of America, right here in Massachusetts!
The place is just a sports bar on Main Street. Â It's not an Irish bar or a gay bar or a karaoke bar or a dive bar or a martini bar or a fancy bar-restaurant. Â Just a bunch of TVs and the game. Â The food is extremely straightforward and doesn't even pretend to come from another country. Â Nonetheless, a lot of the food is pretty tasty--I recommend anything with steak tips and I also find that the burgers are juicy and cooked to order.
I haven't been to the bar at night but any other time you will find spaciou environs and ample seating. Â It's a nice way station between community and solitude; it kinda lets you be "alone in the crowd." Â Alas, you have to be able to tolerate the sports bar auditory environment, viz. 20 TVs blasting simultaneously AND the juke box going. Â Headaches are an occupational hazard.
Service is welcoming, attentive. Â Prices are fair. Â Must pay in cash. Â A nice break from the occasionally hoity-toity feel of Jamaica Plain.
One star for being a good bar to have some drinks at.
Zero stars for:
1) the food is horrible
2) the service is horrible
3) the place needs a serious deep cleaning, dirty floors and tables
4) the ladies bathroom is filthy. it smells like urine -
horrible service =
1) the waitress dropping off a plate of buffalo chicken wings to a group of people, giving no napkins or plates. Â
2) Having to wander around the restaurant trying to locate napkins, and silverware.
3) having to go to the bar to get more drinks (even though we had table service)
4) asking for ketchup and water and having the waitress never return.
Costello's is a great after-work on a Friday, particularly if you're a teacher and the heathens have driven you bat-s@#t crazy. I tend to order a burger and a beer (or five, depending on the kids), and have been pleased with the Costello Burger (bacon and blue cheese) and a Matt-something or other. I learned after my first trip, though, to order my burgers medium-rare, otherwise, the burgers tend to be overcooked.
My service has always been attentive and fast; but, I am usually in there at 5 p.m. on a Friday (holla!). Yes, it's bar food, but it's also like comfort food that is reliable and fine. BUT, if you can catch the turkey tip special--say WORD, cause that's where it's at!
While Costello's is nothing outstanding and rather unexciting--it's not the best place for larger groups of friends to hang out and bring the ruckus--it is a great place to stop in for a pint or two and have a bite to eat. Really 3.5 stars. The mixed drinks are inexpensive, though they can be on the weak side, depending on who's making it, so buyer beware.
I was shocked to find out that Costello's has recently amended their menu to include a variety of vegetarian-friendly options, which can easily be veganized, should you desire it. The tofu veggie dog, which is served with fries, rings in at a mere $4.95; and the portobello mushroom and roasted red pepper sandwich, also served with fries, is only about $8. It's pretty good pub food--better than expected--especially for the price. Costello's also offers a falafel sandwich and a veggie burger, which I have yet to try, but my boyfriend says the latter is tasty, especially with some jalapenos on top. What I really like about the menu is that you can easily customize your meal to suit your tastes. They have a ton of add-ons to choose from (including hot pepper relish!), most at no additional charge, some for fifty cents. And that's a good deal.
The staff were very helpful, quick, and to the point; they can be a bit abrupt, but Costello's isn't a place where I expect incredibly attentive service, so it's all good. Definitely an above average neighborhood bar.
i agree with others with that Costello's is where you might go to start off the evening. Â The drink prices are good. Â I somehow have never eaten -anything- at Costello's, which is saying a lot bc I love food and live very close. Â I feel like my friends told me they got nachos one time and they were alright but not worth it. Â I once met a really weird date here who was totally chowing down though. Â
They have darts for anyone who's interested and yes, lots and lots of tvs. My friend Tim likes this place because it's chill and calm and boring, but then again, he likes Charlie Chan's, so I don't think that's such a good thing.
It's convenient, open, Â and right in the middle of JP. Â You might as well go in for a while, until you get tired of the sports and the sausage fest.
Costello's is an exactly average sports bar in every way. Â It has the same food, beer and televisions you can find in every other sports bar in Boston. Â Same wood everywhere look, too.
But one of the best things about Jamaica Plain is that folks don't just go there to go to bars, so Costello's - like most of the bars here - usually isn't as crowded as bars in town.  You know how, say, Hurricane's gets pretty packed around game time?  Costello's will have a healthy crowd, but  you've got a decent chance of finding a table at some point.
There are a ton of bars in JP, and many of them are spectacular. Â But if you'd like to see what JP is like but you're kindof a pussy, start at Costello's so you feel comfortable; then you can slowly branch out from there. Â (Don't make the Galway House your second stop, though - you probably can't handle the Galway House.)
Costellos is what it is. Sports-oriented pub with a long bar filling one half the roof, and booths and tall tables for pub grub in the other half (and dartboards up front). The beer selection is scattershot but not bad. The food is decent enough pub grub. Nothing you'd write home about, but not shabby when you're in the mood for a burger or a hot turkey sandwich or whatever.
In short, nothing you'd really go out of your way for, but a great place to have nearby if you have one of those "screw it, I just want a burger, a beer, and some sort of Boston sports team on the TV" sort of moments.
Also, the people who smoke outside the front here tend to be far less creepy than the ones who haunt the Galway House.
I'd have to add my accolades to this tavern. Â The food, though not fancy, is excellent. Â The beer on tap, though not varied, is the best. Â Fresh ingredients, good preparation. Â Can't beat that!
In short, if you want good beer and grub, with no attitude, you can't do better than Costello's in Jamaica Plain. Â There's been a slew of restaurants in Jamaica Plain recently, whose main contribution has been a snotty attitude, and crappy expensive food. Â If you want to spend $11 on a PBJ sandwich, good luck to ya. Â However, if you want a $16 New York Sirloin; as good as your gonna get, go to Costello's.
It's that simple.  And listen to the Specials, they are a great deal.  Keep away from the Chili:  it's not that it's not fresh, but  it just may be the most deadly combination of grease and spices known to mankind.
You have been warned.
I had a roommate who had a binder of takeout menus. The one for Costello's had "DON'T EAT THE CHILI" written in red sharpie on the front. He was so right. No matter how drunk you are, or how great chili fries sound, please, don't do it. Potato skins sound good too, just go with those.
The rest is great though. Chicken fingers, excellent beer and the game. The crowd is a bizarre marriage of JP queers (social workers/flag football players) and townies (plumbers). If you can't handle that, go back to Southie or wherever you're from.
I think Costello's is the best place in JP to watch a game. They have a bunch of flat screen TV's in there that are on again off again HD. There is good local vibe to the place and it's easy to get a table for the most part.
The burgers are great  and I like the buffalo chicken pizza a whole bunch. Try the Costello burger which has blue cheese and bacon. Enjoy the wonderful greasiness!
My roomie absolutely loves the wings there too.
It is a cash only which is a bummer  but I can deal with that. The service is a crap shoot  and It's also a little bright for my liking.
As I am a huge fan of brunch - I couldn't pass up this JP hole in the wall. Â Their pancakes had no flavor, but their eggs/potatoes were great! Â Don't order the orange juice unless you're a fan of super acidic juice - and make sure to bring cash, as they're cash only (boooo). Â
Kudos to the waitress who made me iced coffee even when it wasn't on the menu!
Are the TV's HD? Â They're flat-screen. But the image is stretched out and just doesn't look extra special. Â But it's still a good place to watch the game as there are TV's aplenty. You can see them from pretty much anywhere. Even from the floor where you lay drunken in a puddle of your own urine while townies step over you.
Surprisingly good cheap food. Great burgers. Great hand-cut fries.
Not enough servers so it might take a while. Â But they're good when they do get around to you.
Not many beers on tap, but who cares when you can get 22 oz of Harpoon UFO for $4.50?
If "old man bar" means good, cheap food; $2.50 bottled beer, big strong drinks; friendly staff and a diverse crowd of REAL locals (yeah!) - and recent transplants occasionally dancing too close around a jukebox while watching a Big Game, call me an Old Man, witches.
I love you, Costello's tavern.
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